Introduction. (Colossians 3:9,10) This morning we looked at the first nine verses of this chapter. Tonight we will continue our study down through vs. 14. We noted this morning...
* These brethren have died (vs. 3) -- Paul tells them to put to death their earthly members (vs. 5).
* These brethren were hidden with Christ in God (vs. 3) -- they had put on the new man (vs. 10) -- now Paul tells them what is involved in this.
This morning we looked at those earthly members that must be put to death -- and those things that we must put off. (Cf. Sculptor of stone removes to shape). Tonight we are going to look at the new man -- here Paul will talk about things that we must “put on” (Cf. sculptor of clay -- puts on to shape).

I. “... Put on the new man...” (vs. 10).

1. “...Who is renewed in knowledge...” Proverbs 11:9 - “Through knowledge the righteous will be delivered” This is especially true in Christ. (II Peter 1:2-4) This is the knowledge of the gospel -- Power of God unto salvation (cf. Romans 1:16).
2. “...According to the image of Him who created him” Note: We are “renewed” (can’t be renewed if you weren’t new at some point). We are created -- and personally born in God’s image (James 3:9). In sin we betray and surrender this image. God desires that we bear this image again. (Romans 8:29,30). Note: God wants us to live like Jesus and be like Jesus in his resurrection (I John 3:2). [Explain: Foreknowledge & Predestination here]. I Cor. 15:49 we shall bear the image of Jesus.

II. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on...” (vs. 12). Note: those who put off old man, those who put on new man through gospel are the elect -- all can be of the elect.

1. “Tender mercies” splagchna oiktirmon KJV lit. “bowels of mercies” Like the English expression “from the gut.” We must have a compassion for others that is sincere and genuine. God is the “father of mercies” (II Cor. 1:3). This should call us to improved behavior (Romans 12:1,2).
2. “Kindness” chrestotes “kindness” or “goodness” -- The Lord teaches us this kind of virtue. (Titus 3:3-7). This does not mean that God is not just -- or that He will not punish evil. (Romans 11:22).
3. “Humility” tapeinophrosune This involves our estimate of ourselves and our attitude towards others. (Philippians 2:1-4).
4. “Meekness” praotes Related to the word in Matthew 5:5 “blessed are the meek” Not to be confussed with timidity - Aristotle used it of horses that were strong but under control. (II Timothy 2:24-26). KJV “meekness” It is only when we use this controlled strength that we can be effective in this persuasion.
5. “Longsuffering” makrothumia lit. means “to suffer-long” First English in Tyndale’s Bible. This is a quality that God possesses (like forgiveness) -- which we must imitate. (Romans 2:1-4).
6. “Bearing with one another” (vs. 13). * I Cor. 13:7 love “bears all things” * Gal. 6:2 “bear one another’s burdens” * Eph. 4:2 we are to bear with one another “in love” (cf. vs. 14 love holds it all together).
7. “Forgiving one another” One virtue that must characterize the new man is forgiveness. (Mark 11:25,26).
   1. “As Christ forgave you so you also must do.” Jesus is our example in this. Parallel passage (Ephesians 4:32) adds “God in Christ.” Both what we did to God and to Christ by our sin.

III. “...Above all these things put on love...” (vs. 14). Does this mean you can forget about the other things as long as you love? No. All the things will come naturally if we really love. (Galatians 5:14).

1. “Which is the bond of perfection.” Perfection here is maturity (see Parable of Sower - Luke 8:14 KJV “perfection”). (Hebrews 6:1). Love is the glue that will hold it all together so that we can mature.
   Do you want to remain faithful? Learn to love God more -- learn to love the lost more -- learn to love your family more -- learn to love your brethren more -- learn to love your soul (in truth).